<p>A per-diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) opportunity is open in Sarasota, Florida, delivering home-based occupational therapy services through a nationally recognized post-acute care network affiliated with the Optum family of businesses. This role places a skilled COTA directly in patients' homes across the Sarasota area, restoring functional independence for a diverse adult population under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The per-visit compensation model rewards productivity, and the flexible per-diem structure suits clinicians seeking schedule autonomy alongside meaningful one-on-one patient care.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>Hourly pay range: $24.45 – $36.67/hr for non-visit activities (orientation and similar)</li> <li>Per-visit point pay range: $29.34 – $44.01 per visit point; total annual cash target of $50,852 – $76,277 at full-time productivity</li> <li>Dual compensation structure: per-visit point rate for patient visits (covering both direct and indirect care activities), hourly rate for designated non-visit work</li> <li>Comprehensive benefits package available (subject to eligibility requirements)</li> <li>Equity stock purchase plan and 401(k) contribution program</li> <li>Recognition and performance reward programs</li> <li>CPR certification support — must obtain within 90 days of hire if not already current</li> <li>Drug-free workplace; pre-employment drug screening required</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Per-diem, home-based occupational therapy — all care delivered in patients' private residences across the Sarasota service area</li> <li>Caseload and weekly visit volume vary based on individual productivity targets and the point values assigned to each visit type; visits are assigned according to patient and business need</li> <li>Practice governed by Florida state occupational therapy assistant statutes; all treatment follows the plan of care established by the supervising Occupational Therapist</li> <li>Evidence-based interventions delivered within the full scope of the occupational therapy assistant role under OT supervision</li> <li>Clinician responsible for observing, documenting, and reporting patient response to treatment and condition changes to the supervising nurse and physician</li> <li>Patient and caregiver education is a core component — COTA instructs patients, family members, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members within the OTA scope</li> <li>Patient population is diverse across age, background, and functional status; ability to adapt to varied home environments is essential</li> <li>Part of a large post-acute care organization with national infrastructure, clinical resources, and career development pathways</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Current Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in the state of Florida — required at time of hire</li> <li>Active certification in good standing with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) — Florida state requirement</li> <li>Current driver's license and personal vehicle insurance with access to a dependable vehicle, or reliable access to public transportation</li> <li>Current CPR certification preferred; must be obtained within 90 days of employment if not already held</li> <li>Ability to function independently across varied home environments and patient demographics</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>Sarasota sits on Florida's Gulf Coast, consistently ranked among the country's most desirable mid-sized cities for its white-sand beaches, vibrant arts scene, and year-round warm climate. The area offers an exceptional quality of life — from the cultural amenities of downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle to outdoor recreation on Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and the surrounding barrier islands. Cost of living is moderate relative to South Florida metros, and the region draws a well-educated, diverse population with strong community infrastructure including highly regarded schools and healthcare facilities. For clinicians relocating from colder climates, Sarasota delivers a lifestyle upgrade alongside a professionally rewarding home-health practice environment.</p>